SOAT- Arrest and Detention of Human Rights Defender: Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam
SOAT
At 2.00am on 24 January 2004, Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam, human rights activist and Chairperson of the Sudan Social Development Organization (SUDO) was arrested at his family home in Kondoua village, North Kordofan along with his friend Salah Mohammed Abdalrahman. Dr. Mudawi was visiting his family for Eid vacation and Mr. Salah was visiting Dr Mudawi when he was arrested.
Dr. Mudawi and Mr. Salah were initially detained at security headquarters in Umm Ruwaba city, where he was reportedly being interrogated. At 11.00am, the men were transferred to security offices in Al-Obied and SOAT has fears for their safety.
It is not known why Dr. Mudawi and Mr. Salah have been detained, and they have not been charged with any offence. SOAT believes Dr. Mudawi is being detained solely for his activities in defence of human rights and is calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
Dr. Mudawi was previously arrested on 28 December 2003 after visiting Darfur in the course of his work for SUDO. On 11 February 2004, he was charged with crimes against the state, article 50 (undermining the constitutional system) and article 51 (waging war against the State), crimes which carried the death sentence under the 1991 Sudanese Penal Code. All charges against him were dropped on 7 August 2004.
Background
SUDO, a locally registered NGO, has been active in Darfur carrying out various workshops on human rights and has provided assistant to Internally Displaced People (IDP’s) in Darfur. Because of its humanitarian activities, it has become a particular target for the security forces.
SOAT condemns the arbitrary arrest of Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam and Mr. Saleh and calls on the Government of Sudan to put an end to the harassment and detention of human rights activists in Sudan and urges the Government of Sudan to:
i. Take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam and Mr. Saleh
ii. To allow them immediate and unrestricted access to his family and any medical treatment that they may need
iii. Order the immediate release of Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam and Mr. Saleh in the absence of valid legal charges, or if legitimate charges exist, bring them before an impartial tribunal and guarantee procedural rights at all times.
iv. Ensure that Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam and Mr. Saleh has access to legal advice
v. Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of association throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.